Nigerians are reportedly avoiding Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supplied by the Dangote Refinery. This decision stems from the significantly higher pump prices at these outlets. As a result, many filling stations linked to Dangote are seeing fewer customers.

There has been a notable decline in patronage at MRS filling stations. This trend is especially evident in Abuja, as reported by Daily Post.

Price Disparity: Dangote vs. NNPCL

MRS is a retail chain owned by Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata. He is the half-brother to Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Refinery. Currently, MRS stations are selling petrol at a much higher price compared to their competitors.

Checks at MRS outlets on the Kubwa Expressway and in Lugbe revealed petrol selling at ₦945 per litre. This price is ₦25 higher than nearby Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and AA RANO stations. These competitors have reduced their fuel prices to ₦920 per litre.

A manager at one MRS station, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the impact. He stated that the higher price has caused a sharp drop in customer turnout. This decline has been ongoing since November 2025.

“Our patronage has dropped. Queues have reduced because our price is higher,” the manager told Daily Post. “Management issued a circular to reduce the pump price to ₦920. However, it has not been implemented. We hope it will be reviewed soon to boost sales.”

Ex-Depot Prices and Industry Concerns

This drop in patronage is significant. It comes even though Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price was ₦826 per litre as of Monday, December 8, 2025. This price is competitive with other major suppliers. For instance, Aiteo sold at ₦825 and MENJ at ₦835.

Billy Gillis-Harry is the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN). He acknowledged that unstable PMS pricing is a major concern for the downstream sector.

Gillis-Harry cautioned Nigerians against focusing only on cheaper prices. He argued that unrealistic pricing could eventually lead to deeper supply problems. “We must stabilize PMS pricing,” he urged. “Our appeal to Nigerians is: don’t let a cheap price deceive you. If pricing is not accurate, the effects will show in the coming weeks and months.”

Meanwhile, NNPCL and several other stations have twice reduced fuel prices in the last two weeks. This brings pump prices in the Abuja area to between ₦920 and ₦945.